I like small audio system, I actually do, however the sound of the very best of them by no means approaches the dimensions of actual devices. Huge, statuesque tower audio system get nearer, however to my ears solely flat panel audio system, because of their bigger sound radiating areas convey scale higher than different speaker sorts. The all-new Magnepan 30.7 initiatives a wall of sound like no different speaker in my expertise.

Magnepan’s authentic Tympani multi-panel speaker from the early 1970s looms giant within the recollections of many audiophiles. The Tympani was too huge for many rooms, so in 1992 Magnepan debuted the only panel 20 Sequence speaker. That mannequin, with design revisions, reigned supreme as the corporate’s prime of the road speaker via 2017. However beginning early subsequent yr, the 30.7 would be the new flagship speaker.

It is a four-piece system, with two panels per channel. The bass panels are 29.5 inches (749mm) huge, and the midrange/tweeter panel is 16 inches (406mm) huge. Every panel is 6.5 toes (2 meters) tall, and whereas they’re big in peak and width the panels are a mere 2 inches (51mm) thick! The speaker would not have standard dome tweeters, cone midranges, or bass drivers, as a substitute it is a four-way, ultra-thin ribbon design. Impedance is rated at four ohms. The 30.7 might be manufactured within the firm’s manufacturing unit in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Like all Magnepan audio system, the 30.7 needs to be used with top quality amplifiers.

The Audiophiliac checks out the Magnepan 30.7 audio system

Steve Guttenberg/CNET

Sound Unbound

I listened to the 30.7s on the Audio Connection retailer in Verona, New Jersey, and I used to be blown away by their vivid transparency and large soundstage. They sound massive and tangible, however the bass slam and dynamic punch is not near what you get from Wilson Audio or Magico’s hulking tower audio system. These brutes promote for greater than double the 30.7’s worth. They win on energy however solely undertaking sound ahead, whereas the 30.7’s 4 panels with entrance and rear sound radiation higher mimics the best way an orchestra, piano, or drum equipment’s sound fills a room. The 30.7’s means to sound life-size and easy has its personal rewards.

Magnepan 30.7 deliveries are scheduled to start in December or early in 2018. The value has not but been finalized, however the firm estimates it will likely be round $29,000 per pair (which converts to £21,860 or AU$37,085). Customized paint finishes might be obtainable at further price.

I hope to spend extra time with these outstanding audio system someday subsequent yr.

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